Hubert Parry's "Judith" is a monumental work that has long been overshadowed by the composer's more famous pieces, but this stunning oratorio deserves to take its place among the great choral masterpieces. Originally premiered in 1888, "Judith" was an immediate hit and solidified Parry's reputation as a choral composer. This album, recorded in 2019 and released in 2020, is the first-ever recording of the complete work, making it a historic addition to any classical music collection.
The oratorio, based on the apocryphal tale of Judith, is a powerful and dramatic exploration of faith, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil. Parry's rich and expressive score is brought to life by the outstanding performances of the Crouch End Festival Chorus and the London Mozart Players, under the skilled direction of conductor William Vann. The soloists, including Sarah Fox, Kathryn Rudge, Toby Spence, and Henry Waddington, deliver captivating performances that highlight the depth and complexity of Parry's music.
The album features a comprehensive booklet with notes by Parry authority Jeremy Dibble, providing valuable context and insights into the composition and its historical significance. The recording, released on the prestigious Chandos label, is presented in high-quality surround sound, ensuring an immersive listening experience. Whether you are a long-time admirer of Parry's work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a compelling and rewarding journey through one of the most important choral works of the late 19th century.
2020 Chandos Records2020 Chandos Records
Tracks
Judith, Introduction: Allegro spiritosoHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Processional Music of Worshippers - Hail, Moloch! (Worshippers)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Draw near and worship. O my people! (Manasseh)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Have mercy, dread Moloch (Worshippers)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Hear ye the word of your god! (High Priest)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Henry Waddington
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Hail! thou art highly favoured, King! (Worshippers) - My children's Moloch's! (Manasseh)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Bring now the children! (Worshippers)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Hearken, O King! (High Priest)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Hail, Moloch, hail! (Worshippers)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 2. The Children: Dialogue. Andante sostenuto - O mother, tell us once again (Children and Meshullemeth)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Kathryn Rudge, Childrens Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 2. The Children: Ballad. Long since in Egypt's plenteous land (Meshullemeth and Children)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Kathryn Rudge, Childrens Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 2. The Children: Great Queen, the King calls for his children (Chorus of Priests of Moloch, Meshullemeth, andHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Kathryn Rudge, Childrens Chorus, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 2. The Children: Lady! thou Queen of Israel! (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act I Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Moloch! Moloch! give ear! (Chorus of Priests) - My people, see, the holy children come (ManaHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Stay your hideous mockeries! (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act I Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Now shall the Lord Jehovah visit you (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act I Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Who is this that raileth at Moloch? (Worshippers of Moloch)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 3. The Sacrifice: O King, give ear! (Messenger)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players
Judith, Act I Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Fear not, my people (Manasseh)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence
Judith, Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: The host of Assur is like a swarm of locusts (Worshippers of Moloch)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: Jerusalem was loved of the Lord (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players
Judith, Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: Moloch, Moloch, hear us now (Priests of Moloch) - Rise in might and scatter our foesHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: Fly! Fly! The host of Assur is come on us (People)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: Jerusalem, that was Queen of the nations (People)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Intermezzo. Babylon, The Repentance of Manasseh: Lento espressivo - I will bear the indignation of God (Manasseh)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence
Judith, Act II Scene 1. The Return of Manasseh: Maestoso. Sostenuto espressivo - Wail! Wail! Ye solitary people (Jews of JerusalemHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act II Scene 1. The Return of Manasseh: The Lord is long-suffering and merciful (Meshullemeth)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Kathryn Rudge
Judith, Act II Scene 1. The Return of Manasseh: Our King is come again from distant lands (Jews of Jerusalem)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act II Scene 1. The Return of Manasseh: Behold, how great is the mercy of our God (Manasseh) - He brought us out of the daHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence, Kathryn Rudge, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act II Scene 2. The Message of Holofernes: Hear ye the words of the captain of the great King (Messenger)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Henry Waddington
Judith, Act II Scene 2. The Message of Holofernes: Woe, woe! Our city's walls are broken (Jews of Jerusalem)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act II Scene 2. The Message of Holofernes: Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act II Scene 2. The Message of Holofernes: I pray Thee, O God of my fathers (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act II Scene 2. The Message of Holofernes: The God of our fathers give thee favour (People)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act II Scene 3. The Exploit of Judith: The Walls of Jerusalem. Night - See ye the campfires of the host of Assur (Chorus oHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act II Scene 3. The Exploit of Judith: Ho! ye upon the walls! (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act II Scene 3. The Exploit of Judith: Arise, O Israel! Smite ye your enemies (Jews of JerusalemJews of Jerusalem)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act II Scene 3. The Exploit of Judith: God breaketh the battle (Manasseh)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence
Judith, Finale: I will sing unto the Lord (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Finale: Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of thy mourning (Chorus)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 1st Baronet, stands as a titan of English music, renowned for his compositions that have become staples of the choral repertoire. Born in Bournemouth in 1848, Parry's musical journey began at Eton, where his passion for composition was ignited. His career blossomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, marking him as a pivotal figure in the English musical renaissance. Parry's works, such as the iconic "Jerusalem," the coronation anthem "I was glad," and the hymn tune "Repton," have left an indelible mark on British culture. Beyond his compositions, Parry's influence extended through his teaching and historical writings, inspiring generations of composers, including Elgar, Holst, and Vaughan Williams. His legacy endures, not just in his music but also in the countless artists he mentored and the cultural impact he fostered.
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Hubert Parry
